Hambantota Port Slashes Vehicle Clearance Time

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has launched a comprehensive set of processes to address recent concerns over delays in vehicle clearance, following a surge in imports since February 2025.

Over 9,151 vehicles—both brand new and used—have entered the country through the port in recent months, placing significant pressure on port operations.

In response, HIPG has implemented system upgrades and procedural improvements aimed at streamlining the clearance process.

A key enhancement is the decoupling of customs clearance from internal port payments, allowing vehicles to proceed to the Customs inspection bay immediately after release from the port, even before port-related payments are finalized. This parallel processing is expected to significantly reduce bottlenecks.

Under the new system, vehicles can now be cleared within 24 hours of submitting complete documentation, provided customs formalities are fulfilled.

To support this, HIPG has extended the operating hours of its Documentation Center (open until 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays) and its Customer Service Division (open until 10:00 p.m. on weekdays), giving importers and wharf clerks more time to complete paperwork and payments.

Additionally, HIPG continues to offer a 10-day demurrage-free grace period, easing financial pressure on importers. Charges will only apply from the 11th day onward.

Significant infrastructure investments have also been made, including a dedicated customs inspection bay with 24/7 CCTV surveillance and high-intensity lighting, secure vehicle yards with overflow capacity, and Vehicle Processing Stations to facilitate smooth transitions from port to market. Designated waiting areas with basic amenities have been established for wharf clerks and drivers.